Alright, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Realme 12+. As a tech journalist with a penchant for the practical, I'm not just going to throw specs at you; we're going to dissect what these numbers mean for your everyday life. Let's get started!
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Realme 12+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-22 | 2024-03-02 | Realme 12+ is significantly newer, likely benefiting from more recent tech advancements. |
| Dimensions | 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm | 163 x 75.5 x 7.9 mm | Xperia 5 IV is more compact, making it easier to handle with one hand, while the Realme 12+ is larger and slightly thinner. |
| Weight | 172g | 190g | Xperia 5 IV is noticeably lighter, enhancing comfort for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.67" | Realme 12+ offers a larger screen for more immersive media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 | 1080x2400 | Xperia 5 IV has slightly sharper visuals due to higher pixel density. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 449 | 395 | Xperia 5 IV's higher PPI results in a crisper, more detailed display. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both use similar high-quality display tech with great contrast and colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both phones offer fluid animations and smooth scrolling. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2000 nits | Realme 12+'s significantly higher brightness makes it much more readable in bright outdoor conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) | Xperia 5 IV has a more powerful chipset, delivering faster performance for gaming and heavy tasks. |
| Antutu Score | 1,021,542 | 601,000 | Xperia 5 IV showcases a significantly higher benchmark, translating to faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Xperia 5 IV's GPU is more powerful, providing a smoother gaming experience with higher graphical settings. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.7, 1/1.7", 1.8µm) | 50MP (f/1.88, 1/2", 0.61µm) | Realme 12+ has a higher resolution sensor, though the Xperia 5 IV's larger sensor size and wider aperture gather more light. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP (f/2.0, 1.25µm) | 16MP (f/2.45) | Realme 12+ has a higher megapixel count, but Xperia 5 IV has wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP (f/2.4) | Not Available | Xperia 5 IV's dedicated telephoto lens enables optical zoom, a feature lacking on the Realme 12+. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 12MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.2) | Xperia 5 IV has a higher-resolution wide-angle camera. |
| Macro Lens | Not Available | 2MP (f/2.4) | Realme 12+ has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, while Xperia 5 IV does not. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@120fps HDR | Up to 4K@30fps EIS | Sony’s video capabilities are far superior with up to 4K@120fps with HDR. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | 119 | Not Tested | Xperia 5 IV's camera has a superior DXOMark score. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have similar battery capacities, suggesting comparable battery endurance. |
| Charging | 30W | 67W | Realme 12+ charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Battery Features | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging | None | Xperia 5 IV allows for bypass charging and reverse charging functionality. |
| Other | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 (upgradable to 16) | Realme 12+ ships with a newer OS, ensuring more features, and longer support lifecycle. |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | Realme 12+ offers a higher storage option (512GB) for users who require more space. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB/12GB | Realme 12+ comes with an optional 12GB of RAM, offering superior multitasking capabilities. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Noise cancellation, Stereo, 2 mic | Realme 12+ provides additional features for better audio input. |
| Security | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Xperia 5 IV has a more advanced side-mounted sensor for faster and more accurate biometric security. |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xperia 5 IV uses superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Biometric, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Xperia 5 IV is equipped with a barometer sensor for environmental monitoring. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 5 IV
Strengths:
- Powerful Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset and Adreno 730 GPU provide top-tier performance for gaming and demanding applications.
- Superior Display: Higher pixel density results in a sharper, more detailed visual experience.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers a full suite of camera features, including a telephoto lens, 4K video recording up to 120fps, and excellent photo quality backed by its DxOMark score.
- Premium Features: Includes a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, premium build quality with Gorilla Glass Victus, and additional sensors for advanced features.
- Bypass Charging and Reverse Charging: Allows the phone to charge without directly charging the battery to preserve battery health.
Trade-offs:
- Older OS: Ships with Android 12, which may lag behind in features and support compared to the Realme 12+.
- Lower Brightness: Struggles in bright sunlight due to lower display brightness.
- No Macro Lens: Lacks a dedicated macro camera for close-up photography.
Realme 12+
Strengths:
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 14, ensuring access to the latest features and updates.
- Brighter Display: Features a significantly brighter screen, providing excellent readability in outdoor environments.
- Faster Charging: Supports 67W fast charging, reducing charging time.
- Higher Storage Options: Available with 512GB of internal storage and 12GB RAM
- Macro Lens: Includes a dedicated macro camera.
- Advanced Audio: Features a noise-cancelling microphone with two mics for better audio quality.
Trade-offs:
- Less Powerful Processor: The Dimensity 7050 is less powerful, resulting in lower benchmark scores and potentially less smooth performance in intensive tasks.
- Basic Fingerprint Sensor: Has a basic fingerprint sensor.
- No Telephoto Lens: Lacks a telephoto lens for optical zoom.
- Basic Screen Protection: Lacks a specified screen protection.
- Inferior Video Capabilities: Records up to 4K@30fps compared to 4K@120fps of the Xperia 5 IV.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 5 IV
- Best Suited For:
- Power Users: Individuals who demand high performance for gaming, video editing, or running resource-intensive apps.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who value a comprehensive camera system, including optical zoom and high-quality video recording with superior stabilization and HDR.
- Compact Device Lovers: Users who prefer a smaller, more ergonomic phone that's easier to handle.
- Users seeking a full and mature feature set: Those who value features like side-mounted fingerprint sensor, bypass charging, reverse charging, and an extra sensor.
Realme 12+
- Best Suited For:
- Multimedia Consumers: Those who enjoy watching videos and playing games on a larger, brighter screen.
- Everyday Users: Individuals who prioritize fast charging, a newer operating system, and reliable performance for daily tasks.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users who want a balance of features and value.
- Users looking for the latest version of Android: Those who want the latest version of Android with the latest features.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your choice:
Prioritize Performance or Display Brightness?
- If peak performance and camera quality are your priorities, choose the Sony Xperia 5 IV.
- If you value a bright screen and faster charging, opt for the Realme 12+.
How Important is the Camera System?
- If you need advanced features like optical zoom and superior video recording, the Sony Xperia 5 IV is the better choice.
- If a higher megapixel count on the main camera and a macro lens are more important to you, then the Realme 12+ is the one to choose.
Which Operating System is More Important?
- If the latest features and extended support are your priority, the Realme 12+ with Android 14 is the better option.
- If an operating system isn't your highest priority, then you should go with the Xperia 5 IV
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Mobile Photographer: Choose the Sony Xperia 5 IV for its versatile camera system, superior video recording, and image quality.
- The Gamer: The Sony Xperia 5 IV will give you the highest performance, better graphics rendering, and a more optimized gaming experience.
- The Everyday User: Go with the Realme 12+ for its brighter display, faster charging, and the latest Android version.
- The Multi-tasker: Go with the Realme 12+ for its higher RAM options (12GB).
- The Person on a Budget: The Realme 12+ may be the preferred option because it has similar everyday functionalities at a lower price-point.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would go with the Sony Xperia 5 IV. While the Realme 12+ has some compelling advantages like a brighter screen and faster charging, the Xperia 5 IV’s robust performance, superior camera system, and more advanced feature-set are more in line with my needs as a tech journalist and reviewer. The ability to capture high-quality photos and videos with excellent stabilization, combined with its powerful processor for seamless multitasking and gaming, is something I value greatly. While the Android version is older, I believe the core performance and camera capabilities are more important to me. Plus, as someone who frequently works with multimedia, the additional audio quality features of the Sony is important for me. This is the ultimate device for on-the-go content creation.
Ultimately, the best phone depends on individual preferences and priorities. I hope this detailed analysis has given you the information you need to make a great choice!
